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AUBURN — The 40-yard dash was the only event on the mind of Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson.

The reigning SEC offensive player of the year didn't run during the NFL combine in Indianapolis, but ran an unofficial best of 4.54 seconds during Friday's pro day at Auburn.

Johnson said he wanted to put himself in the best position to get the best time, which is why he decided not to run last week.

"The plan worked," Johnson said. "I came out here and ran a good time. I did well in position drills. I think I did well overall. It's a lot of work, but not everybody gets to go through it."

Johnson said he made a three-month commitment after the season to work on all the combine drills, but now he can focus on just being a football player.

"Everything else I've been doing my whole life," Johnson said. "Now, I can go back to staying in shape, my cuts and doing everything that a successful back contributes. I'm a hard worker and I believe I showed that today."

Johnson's numbers at last week's NFL combine left something to be desired.

Johnson's 40-inch vertical leap was second among running backs to Penn State's Saquon Barkley, who had a 41-inch leap. His 10-foot-6 broad jump was third.

Johnson said his meetings with NFL teams at the combine went well, particularly meeting San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch.

"My dad has been a huge Tampa Bay fan for a long time," Johnson said. "I grew up watching a lot of his games. He came in and I couldn't believe he knew my name. You get to talk to people that you always heard about. It was great."

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn talks to the media after Auburn football Pro Day on Friday, March 9, 2018 in Auburn, Ala.(Photo: Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics)

Johnson said that several teams questioned his durability during the combine meetings.

Johnson played through an injured shoulder in the 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC title game, rushing for a season-low 44 yards on 13 carries.

"That's one thing everybody goes to, so we talked about it," Johnson said. "Teams are more willing to listen and understand than people outside of football. The bottom line is in three years of being an SEC running back, I missed three games."

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said he has no doubt that Johnson can be an every-down back.

Johnson finished with 1,391 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, 194 yards and two scores on 24 receptions and a passing touchdown last season.

"As a true freshman, he was one of our best special teams players," Malzahn said. "This year, he finally got to show what he could do. He's a great pass protector. He's a great inside and outside runner. He'll make somebody very happy."

Kerryon Johnson runs the 40 at Auburn football Pro Day on Friday, March 9, 2018 in Auburn, Ala.(Photo: Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics)

As far as the future of the Auburn backfield, Johnson said he thinks that the Tigers could have a stable of backs as talented as Georgia's Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

Kam Martin is the leading returning rusher with 453 yards on 74 carries.

"They could rotate all five of those guys at some point," Johnson said. "One of them will have to eventually step out there and say that he's the lead dog. That's where the real competition is."

Johnson said he'll have to consult with his mother about any special plans for the NFL draft, which takes place April 26-28 in Arlington, Texas.

Johnson did say for sure, however, that he wants plenty of family and friends around him when his name is called on draft weekend.

"I'll be doing something to just have a fun day," Johnson said. "It's a day that we can all remember. Hopefully, a lot of my friends can be there next year. We can all be there for them also."

Kerryon Johnson (21) won SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors this past season.(Photo: Sam Craft, AP)